How much does camping cost at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Camping fees at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah range from $30-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah before I book?

Yes! Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah is open March 25 to November 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Yes, Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Cell phone service at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah have?

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah has 200 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah?

Fire policies at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah: Build fires only in designated fire rings and never leave any fire unattended. Due to the threat from the Emerald Ash Borer, firewood purchased outside the park must be USDA certified and labeled. Certified firewood is available for purchase at the campstore. It is allowed to gather dead wood on the ground in the park. Do not saw or cut any parts from a standing tree, dead or alive.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

1.5K reviews

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Top 12% in VAFall

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah#1 Fall Camping Virginia Fall Camping +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,629 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Reservable season op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,629 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Reservable season op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowersWiFi

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; WALK TO: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Provider

540-999-3500 X 3747

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

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Campground Map

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Nearby places

Luray, VA (approximately 15 miles)

Stanley, VA (approximately 20 miles)

Front Royal, VA (approximately 40 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south to Warrenton, Virginia, then merge onto US Highway 211 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Thornton Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive south approximately 19 miles and turn right into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground. From Richmond, Virginia area, travel west on Interstate 64 to exit 136 for Zion Crossroads, Virginia. Take exit to US Highway 15 North, then turn onto US Highway 33 west and follow 28 miles to the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Swift Run Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive North approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground.

Weather at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Current alerts(10)

Big Meadow Campground will be repaved this summer . Some sites may be closed or reservations relocated during the project.
Check in starts at noon on the arrival date. Campers may check in anytime after noon. Staff will hold a campsite for 24 hours (until noon on the day after the arrival date).
Do NOT attempt to use the Tanners Ridge Road to access Big Meadows Campground. Program your GPS to one of the four Shenandoah National Park entrance stations at Front Royal Entrance Station, Thornton Gap Entrance Station, Swift Run Entrance Station, or Rockfish Gap Entrance…
Food must be stored properly. Do not leave any food or other scented items unattended, including all coolers and trash. Use the food storage box if one is provided at your site, or secure food in a locked vehicle. Violations of the food storage policy may result in a fine.

Best Time to Camp at Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the standout experience at Big Meadows thanks to spectacular high-elevation foliage, crisp weather, and peak wildlife activity — think a riot of reds, golds, and oranges across the Blue Ridge ridgelines. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s °F with chilly nights in the 25–40°F range, ideal for strenuous hikes without summer heat and for photography at golden-hour light. Trails, overlooks, and Skyline Drive are busiest on weekends during peak color (mid–/ Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 12% in VA

High-elevation foliage peaks mid-October; fall is the signature, busiest season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 25 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable season opens March 26 and closes November 29 annually.

About Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Big Meadows Campground sits at high elevation in Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Luray. The very large facility offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with full amenities including showers, dump station, camp store, and laundry. Visitors come for direct access to major hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and wildlife viewing across Blue Ridge ridgelines.

Big Meadows Campground is suitable for a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Specific sites cater to those seeking more seclusion or access to larger facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the standout experience at Big Meadows thanks to spectacular high-elevation foliage, crisp weather, and peak wildlife activity — think a riot of reds, golds, and oranges across the Blue Ridge ridgelines. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s °F with chilly nights in the 25–40°F range, ideal for strenuous hikes without summer heat and for photography at golden-hour light. Trails, overlooks, and Skyline Drive are busiest on weekends during peak color (mid–/ Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3629 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground crowns the ancient Blue Ridge ridgeline, with the Virginia Piedmont stretching east and the Shenandoah Valley dropping away to the west. Exposed billion-year-old rock faces dot the landscape, remnants of ancient sea floors and volcanic pulses. Deer and black bears move through the deciduous forest of oaks, maples, and hickories. The namesake meadow spreads wide and grassy, dotted with wildflowers in spring and summer. Morning fog pools in the valleys below, making the ridgetop feel like an island. Fall brings peak color across the high-elevation forest, a sweep of reds and golds visible from camp.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led evening programs are popular, especially the Star Party for stargazing. The Byrd Visitor Center offers informative exhibits.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 30 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties but are close to other campers, which some users criticized for noise.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made on Recreation.gov. Campsites are released in waves up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days prior to arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites and restrooms. Specific sites like E195 are noted as being close to electricity for those using medical devices like CPAP machines.

Site SizeSites vary in size, including options for small tents, large multi-person tents, and RVs up to 50 feet long in pull-through sites.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely. Walk-in tent sites and outer-loop sites offer more seclusion, while inner-loop and RV sites are described as close together.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesWalk-in tent sites offer privacy and are recommended for those seeking seclusion. Generators are prohibited in specific loops, providing a quieter experience.

Best CampsitesE180 gets recommended for its sight lines to the Appalachian Trail and mountain views. Walk-in tent sites and outer-loop spots offer more distance between neighbors. Inner-loop and RV sites pack tighter. Reserve generator-free loops if noise matters to you.

Need help booking Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Meadows Campground offers extensive amenities designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, from tent campers to RV travelers. The campground contains over 200 campsites, including group sites and walk-to tent options. Visitors praise the cleanliness and convenience of facilities such as flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and access to potable water. "The restrooms were always clean, and the camp store had a wide selection," one user noted. Limited Wi-Fi is available at the Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge, and cell service is accessible near the Amphitheater. Bear boxes are provided at some sites for secure food storage, and firewood can be purchased on-site. However, some campers expressed frustration with the high cost of firewood ($7.99 per bundle) and showers ($5 for 10 minutes).

Showers

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Meadows Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, many accessible directly from the campsite. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and ranger-led programs. With proximity to trails like the Appalachian Trail and waterfalls such as Dark Hollow Falls, the campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are included at each site to prevent wildlife issues. Bear-proof boxes are commonly available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyBuild fires only in designated fire rings and never leave any fire unattended. Due to the threat from the Emerald Ash Borer, firewood purchased outside the park must be USDA certified and labeled. Certified firewood is available for purchase at the campstore. It is allowed to gather dead wood on the ground in the park. Do not saw or cut any parts from a standing tree, dead or alive.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are conveniently located throughout the campground, with some for specific items like propane canisters.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is described as nearly non-existent throughout the campground, but there is limited service available at the Amphitheater and nearby Byrd Visitor Center. One camper mentioned, "You can get some service about 100 yards east on the Appalachian Trail from the northeast corner of the campground."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

1.5K reviews

Recommended

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Big Meadows Campground is highly rated, with an average sentiment of 4.29. Positive reviews focus on the clean facilities, variety of trails, and the scenic beauty of the park. Negative reviews address noise from generators and site proximity.

Review Summaries

Based on 1471 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1471 reviews.

Site E180Loved
Site E180 received praise for its views of the mountains and proximity to the Appalachian Trail.
H215Issues noted
However, some sites like H215 were criticized for being uneven.

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the campground's proximity to major hiking trails, clean facilities, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many appreciated the ranger-led programs and the convenience of the nearby...

Based on 1471 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included noise from generators, cramped sites in some loops, and the high cost of amenities such as firewood and showers. Some campers were disappointed by the lack of cellular...

Based on 1471 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve generator-free sites for a quieter experience. Bring quarters for showers and extra stakes for tents due to windy conditions. A visitor recommended, "If you're coming during peak foliage,...

Based on 1471 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during fall foliage and summer weekends. Spring offers lush wildflowers, while fall provides stunning leaf colors. Winter camping is quieter but comes with limited amenities.

Based on 1471 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Big Meadows is my happy place. Great facilities and wonderfully peaceful." "We loved the lodge—don't miss the blackberry ice cream pie!" "Be aware of generator noise—it’s better to reserve in...

Based on 1471 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites like E195 were highlighted for their convenience to electrical sources and restrooms.

Based on 1471 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many campers appreciated the pet-friendly policies. However, some expressed concerns about barking dogs disturbing the peace.

Based on 1471 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want National Park Service facilities with ranger programs, wildlife viewing, and trailhead access in the Blue Ridge.

Skip if

You need free showers, spacious site separation, or generator-free quiet throughout the campground.

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Campgrounds

Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

About Shenandoah National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!

Directions

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, west of Washington, D.C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.